King says she can barely watch the news coverage of the damage left behind by Typhoon Haiyan. CBS News reports authorities in the devastated country estimate 10,000 people or more have been killed and 660,000 have been displaced.

“I was very relieved that within 24 hours I did hear from [my family]” King said.

In Minnesota more than 1,300 Filipino-Americans live in the Twin Cities and as many as 10,000 across the state.

“Almost everyone has ties to the Philippines,” King said. “I have friends within our organization whose home has been totally leveled.”

Now King and other members of CSFA are accepting donations to help those in need. They’re also organizing a fundraiser on Sunday November 24th at the Guardian Angels Church in Oakdale. The address is 8260 4th St. North.

“I think the immediate need is for money to be sent there. So the supplies can be bought there,” King said.

King says sending money will save time getting supplies to the most devastated parts of the country.